USPTO Patents Application 09868702

(19)

J

Europaische^^^Kntamt

European Patent Office
Office europeen des brevets

(12)

(11) EP 0 833 455 A2

EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:

01.04.1998 Bulletin 1998/14

(21) Application number: 97307731.6

(22) Date of filing: 30.09.1997

(51) intci.s: H04B 1/38, H04M 1/72

(84) Designated Contracting States:

(72) Inventor: Kivela, Seppo

AT BE CH DE DK ES Ft FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC

24240 Salo (Fl)

NL PT SE

(74) Representative: Haws, Helen Louise

(30) Priority: 30.09.1996 US 723015

Nokia Mobile Phones,

St. George's Court,

(71) Applicant: NOKIA MOBILE PHONES LTD.

St. George's Road

02150 Espoo (Fl)

Camberley, Surrey GU15 3QZ (GB)

CM
<

lO
^

CO
CO
00

o

Q.
LU

(54) Exchangeable hardware module for radiotelephone

(57) A mobile telephone adaptable to a variety of
specialized capabilities comprises a main unit and a plu-
rality of accessory units, each capable of a different spe-
cialized function, each being selectively attachable to
the main unit. The main unit has a contoured outer sur-
face and an operating system for operation of the mobile
telephone and each accessory unit includes a casing
having a contoured outer surface containing specialized
electronic components. The casing is selectively releas-
ably attachable to the main unit which, when attached
to the main unit, generally conforms to the outer surface
of the main unit and lies generally within the profile of
the main unit when attached to it. Interface contacts on
the main unit and on the accessory unit are mutually en-
gageable when the accessory unit is attached to the
main unit for electrically interconnecting the specialized
electronic components with the operating system. An at-
tachment device is fixed on the outer surface of the cas-
ing for releasable attachment to an article of clothing
wom by a user The interface contacts include an anten-
na interface, an intemal data bus, a battery power inter-
face, and a regulated power interface. The accessory
units may include an alarm system, a helical antenna
with or without a complementary whip antenna, a flat
profile antenna with or without a complementary whip
antenna, a dual band antenna with or without filtering,
a diversity antenna, and an accessory battery module.

FIG. 6.

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)

BNSDOCID: <EP_0833455A2J_>

20

25

30

35

55

EP 0 833 455 A2

Description

This invention relates generally to a mobile radio telephone and, nnore particularly, to a mobile telephone of modular
design comprising a main unit and a detachable accessory unit adaptable to a variety of specialized capabilities.
5 It is known to provide radio telephones comprised of separate modules. For example, in European Application No.

EP 521,609 published January 7, 1993, entitled "Radio Phone Composable of Separate Modules", a radio telephone
capable of dual-mode operation comprises a basic module including circuitry common to the operation of the telephone
in both modes, a first supplementary module including circuitry for processing signals characteristic of a first mode of
operation, and a second supplementary module including circuitry for processing signals characteristic of a second
^0 mode of operation. With this construction, at least one of the modules is detachably coupled to the basic module so
that the telephone is operable in the first and/or second modes according to which of the first and second supplementary
modules is coupled to the basic module.

Although this is a desirable arrangement, known systems do have a number of drawbacks. For example, in the
instance of a vibrating module being fitted to the base phone, this would not be desirable to customers who do not
'5 need it, yet they would be required to pay for such a module. Undesirably also, such a module also makes the phone
heavier. Further, if the vibrating module is fitted inside the phone, customers would be required to visit a repair shop
to have the module installed, adding to the expense. Yet again, if the vibrating module is part of the battery pack, it
would be necessary to dispose of it with the battery when the battery fails, again being costly for the user

It was in fight of the foregoing that the present invention was conceived and has now been reduced to practice.
The present invention relates to a mobile telephone adaptable to a variety of specialized capabilities. It comprises
a main unit and a plurality of accessory units, each capable of a different specialized function, and being selectively
attachable to the main unit. The main unit has a contoured outer surface and an operating system for operation of the
mobile telephone and each accessory unit includes a casing having a contoured outer surface containing specialized
electronic components. The casing is selectively releasably attachable to the main unit which, when attached to the
main unit, generally conforms to the outer surface of the main unit and lies generally within the profile of the main unit
when attached to it. Interface contacts on the main unit and on the accessory unit are mutually engageable when the
accessory unit is attached to the main unit for electrically interconnecting the specialized electronic components with
the operating system. An attachment device is fixed on the outer surface of the casing for releasable attachment to an
article of clothing worn by a user The interface contacts include an antenna interface, an internal data bus, a battery
power interface, and a regulated power interface. The accessory units may include an alarm system, a helical antenna
with or without a complementary whip antenna, a flat profile antenna with or without a complementary whip antenna,
a dual band antenna with or without filtering, a diversity antenna, and an accessory battery module.

All of the aforementioned disadvantages of known systems are addressed in the present invention. An initial con-
cept was to supply the back cover of a mobile phone with belt fixing means and simultaneously attach also the vibrating
module to the back cover. In such an arrangement, the back cover is attached to the base of the phone with "snap in"
devices or by using such attaching devices that the user of the phone can change the module, as in the instance of
the like battery pack. If a tool is needed, it should be a "standard tool", perhaps a coin. The attaching devices of the
module can be hidden by the battery pack, so it is not possible to remove the module accidentally

A further advantage is that vibration is conducted to the user's body more effectively when the vibrating module
40 is fixed directly to the belt fixing means. A particular feature of the invention is that this same "belt fixing means" can
be integral with a common accessory unit. This arrangement can be especially desirable for antenna constructions
that require a lot of space.

Because the accessory unit lies generally within the profile of the main unit, i.e. the dimensions of the phone do
not change, there are no problems when using a "mobile holder" (for car installation), "desktop charger" "carrvina
•^5 bag", and the like.

Also, with the invention, there is no need for the user to open the phone in order to change the module. Nor does
changing the module increase the size of the phone, that is make it longer, wider or thicker. Additionally, no cables or
remote links are necessary. Further, the same mechanical part can carry all the accessories although, as will be seen,
the dual antenna unit may need some minor modifications. In general, the same mechanical part can be used for
50 phones for different cellular systems that need different antennas.

Advantageously, the present invention provides a mobile phone of modular design comprising a main unit and a
detachable accessory unit adaptable to a variety of specialized capabilities.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide such a phone comprising a main unit having a contoured
outer surface and including an operating system for operation of the mobile telephone, an accessory unit including a
casing having a contoured outer surface and containing specialized electronic component means, the casing being
selectively releasably attachable to said main unit which, when attached to said main unit, generally conforms to said
outer surface of the main unit and lies generally within the profile of said main unit when attached thereto, interface
contacts on the main unit and on the accessory unit mutually engageable when the accessory unit is attached to the

BNSDOCID: <EP_0e33455A2J_>

EP 0 833 455 A2

main unit for electrically interconnecting the specialized electronic component means with the operating system, and
attachment devices fixed on the outer surface of the casing for releasable attachment to an article of clothing worn by
a user.

A further advantage of the present invention is to provide such a mobile phone wherein the interface contacts
s include an antenna interface, an internal data bus, a battery power interface, and a regulated power interface.

Still another advantage of the invention is to provide such a mobile phone wherein the accessory units may include,
variously, an alarm system, a helical antenna with or without a complementary whip antenna, a flat profile antenna with
or without a complementary whip antenna, a dual band antenna with or without filtering, a diversity antenna, and an
accessory battery module.

^0 Yet a further advantage of the present invention is to provide such a mobile phone in which the accessory module

is be located up and back of the phone, that is, opposite the earpiece, to provide for the antenna and vibration modules

incorporating the belt clip mounting arrangement.

Yet another advantage of the invention is to provide such a modular mobile phone with suitable interfaces, in one

instance, at least means to connect an accessory to the antenna terminal(s) of the main body of the phone, when using
f5 antenna accessory and, in another instance, means to connect the accessory module to the data bus of the main body

of the phone and means to connect the accessory to the power supply of the main body, when using the vibratory

module.

Still a further advantage of the invention is to provide such a modular mobile phone such that joining the accessory
module to the phone does not make the phone substantially larger, nor require adapters or cables.
^0 Still a further advantage of the invention is to provide such a modular mobile phone for which joining or changing

the accessory is similar to replacing the battery pack, something the user can do without opening the covers of the
phone and without special tools.

Still a further advantage of the invention is to provide such a modular mobile phone which includes means to
recognize that the module is added, perhaps automatically by means of the data bus or power supply interface or
25 manually by the user using a menu and keyboard.

Other and further features, advantages, and benefits of the invention will become apparent in the following^de-
scription taken in conjunction with the following drawings. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description
and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory but are not to be restrictive of the invention. The
accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate one of the embod-
30 iments of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention in general
terms. Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the disclosure.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a radio telephone adaptable to a variety of specialized
capabilities comprising:

a main unit having a contoured outer surface and including an operating system for operation of the mobile tele-

an accessory unit including a casing having a contoured outer surface and containing specialized electronic com-
ponent means, said casing being selectively releasably attachable to said main unit which, when attached to said
main unit, generally conforms to said outer surface of said main unit and lies generally within the profile of said
main unit when attached thereto;

interface means on said main unit and on said accessory unit mutually engageable when said accessory unit is
attached to said main unit for electrically interconnecting said specialized electronic component means with said
operating system.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an accessory unit for a mobile telephone having a
main unit with a contoured outer surface and an operating system for operation thereof adaptable to a variety of spe-
cialized capabilities, said accessory unit comprising;

a casing having a contoured outer surface;

means for selectively releasably attaching said casing to the main unit of the telephone, said contoured outer
surface of said casing generally conforming to the outer surface of the main unit and lies generally within the profile
of the main unit when attached thereto;

specialized electronic component means within said casing;

phone;

50

3

BNSDOCID: <EP_0833455A2J_>

10

EP 0 833 455 A2

laTdt^pr.^"" °? « accessory unit mutually engageable with mating means of the operating system when
r, SnTJthT^e'^prt'g^rer ^'^'-^"^ « -e^trLic compo-

Accoring to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a radio telephone comprising a main unit havina an
antenna interface prov.ding for transmission and reception of antenna signals ^
characterised ,n that said main unit is adapted to receive an auxiliary antenna unit such that said auxiliary unit is capable

re.::r2^~:^^~~~ - ---^ -.nna unit adapted for selective

an antenna interface providing for transmission and reception of antenna signals:
'5 and an antenna.

orovfcJinn '° °' '"^ "'"^^ P^°^'^^^ ^ '^I^Ph°ne having an antenna interface

providing for transmission and reception of antenna signals, adapted to receive one of a pluraSty of auxilia^ anlenna
units having respectively defined configurations. auxiliary antenna

20 There are occasions when it Is desirable to be able to alter the configuration of the mobile telephone bv swaooino

the curren antenna (e.g. a flat profile antenna) for another configuration of antenna (e g a he lica antenna) ?Ws Tv'

Land aT H T '° ''^"'^''"^ "9""' °' '^^ "-'^ «° telephone on a different f^Tuency

band^ Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention there is provided means for re-configuring the antenna o a r^obSe
telephone in order to meet new operational requirements antenna of a mobile

r.i.^'IT'^'? 'k f'^""' °' '^^ "^^^^ P^°^*^^d auxiliary antenna unit adapted for selective

releasable attachment to the mobile telephone comprising : ^adpiea For selective

an antenna interface providing for transmission and reception of antenna signals;
■3" and an antenna.

Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of a mobile telephone and accesso^^ connection thereto;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of known constructions for attaching accessory components to a mobile telephone;

telephoni' ' °' construction for attaching accessory components to a mobile

c?mTon^en? ''^''^'"'"'^ "^"^ °' ^ combination of mobile telephone and directly attachable accessory

a^a^bl^^cc^sLT^^^^^^^^ °' °' '^'^P^^- ^'>-«'V

" e'm'b^yli^thTS:!^^^^^^^^

Figure 7 is a detail exploded perspective view of a portion of the invention illustrated in Figure 6;

" theTvennon to't^thTg' of^ uTer'^' '""""^ "'^'^^'"^ ^^^"^ -

Figure 8A is a detail cross section view taken generally along line 8A-8A in Figure 8;

^rilT, ^ ''^'^i! P^^'^P^^''^^ °f specialized component of the invention capable of removable attach-
ment to the mam body of the mobile telephone of the invention; removaoie attach

Figure 10 is a detail perspective view of another specialized component of the invention capable of removable

BNSOOCID: <EP_0833455A2_

r

EP 0 833 455 A2

attachment to the main body of the mobile telephone of the invention;

Figure 11 is a detail perspective view of still another specialized component of the invention capable of removable
attachment to the main body of the mobile telephone of the invention;

Figure 12 is a detail perspective view of yet another specialized component of the invention capable of removable
attachment to the main body of the mobile telephone of the invention;

Figure 1 3 is a is a detail perspective view of a further specialized component of the invention capable of removable
attachment to the main body of the mobile telephone of the invention;

Figures 14A, 14B, and 14C are detail perspective views of a portion of Figure 13. in the latter two instances,
depicting two different positions of the parts thereof;

Figure 1 5 is a detail perspective view of still a further specialized component of the invention capable of removable
attachment to the main body of the mobile telephone of the invention;

Figure 16 is a detail perspective view of yet a further specialized component of the invention capable of removable
attachment to the main body of the mobile telephone of the Invention;

Figure 17 is a detail perspective view of one more specialized component of the invention capable of removable
attachment to the main body of the mobile telephone of the Invention; and

Figure 18 Is a diagrammatic view of an electronic circuit for operating the Invention.

Turn now to the drawings and, Initially to Figure 1 which generally Illustrates that It Is known to connect accessories
(not shown) to the main unit of a modular phone 20 by means of a cable 22 connecting directly to the main unit. Viewing
Figure 2. such a connection can also be achieved using a holder 24 for engageable reception with the phone to connect
accessories such as an altemate antenna 26 or a junction box 28 via which an extemal battery hands free microphone,

30 hands free speaker, and the like can be connected to the main unit. Another typical arrangement is illustrated In Figure
3. In this instance, a first connector 30 can be releasably joined to the modular phone 20 and extends, via a cable 32
to a second connector 34 adapted to be joined to another device (not shown) such as a power booster, that is, an
external amplifier to produce higher transmitted power.

Figures 4 and 5 disclose "modular" constructions which enlarge the size of the main unit. For example, In Figure

3S 4, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,251,329 to TakagI et al., a main unit 36 of a modular phone 38 may be adapted
to receive a supplemental module 40, such as an added battery pack, thereby substantially elongating the original
phone. In a similar fashion, as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,265,158 to Tattarl and illustrated in
Figure 5A, a handset 42 Is provided for connection to a main unit 42A of a mobile phone with a spiral cord 42B. The
handset 42 comprises an upper part 44 which may be suitably mechanically joined to a lower part 45. The upper part

^0 includes a key set 44A and a display 44B while the lower part includes a microphone 45A and an earphone 458.

In similar fashion, viewing Figure 58, a stand-alone portable radio telephone unit 46 utilizes parts 47A and 478,
similar to parts 44, 45, respectively, Between these parts 47A, 478 Is positioned In a sandwich fashion an intermediate
body 47C which contains the rf-parts of the stand-alone unit, an antenna 47D, and a case for batteries. A connector
48 on part 47B allows the stand-alone unit to be connected, for example, to the main unit 42A of a mobile phone or to

^5 other auxiliaries.

Turn now to Figures 6 and 7 for a broad description of the invention. Specifically viewing Figure 6, a mobile
telephone 50 is illustrated which is adaptable to a variety of specialized capabilities. It comprises a main unit 52 having
a contoured outer surface and including an operating system for operation of the mobile telephone. An accessory unit
54 Includes a casing 56 having a contoured outer surface and containing specialized electronic components. The

50 casing 56 is selectively releasably attachable to the main unit 54 by means of suitable attachment devices 58 engage-
able with mating components 60 on the main unit. Preferably the attachment devices 58 and their mating components
60 are of the type which hold the parts firmly together, when engaged, but which can be readily releasable as by means
of a simple tool such as a coin. When attached to the main unit, the outer surface of the accessory unit 54 generally
conforms to the outer surface of the main unit 52 and lies generally within the profile of the main unit when attached

55 thereto. Of course, It will be appreciated that the casing 56 may be, In fact, a "dummy" casing containing no components
for an Inexpensive, basic phone model. In this situation, the antenna would be fitted In the main unit 52 and a suitable
hole may be provided for an antenna such as will be seen in some of the embodiments to be described below.

The mobile telephone 50 also includes interface contacts on the main unit 52 and on the accessory unit 54 which

5

20

25

5

BNSDOCID: <EP_0833455A2_I_>

EP 0 833 455 A2

15

20

25

40

45

50

55

clearly «ho«/n in Fiou.e 7 Tnev a,« m r.llf.?!?^ , ! '^•'""S '■/'>'•>'" "l «^ main unll are mosl

pc» Jln,.«a« ee'aT/a ™gl1:;:raTrn»?JS'6T' °" """"^ ^ " "'"'V

::i.":^?a~,s~{ES^

76 even as the hollow 82 slidably receives .^rLnge Tl ' "''"""^ "'^^P"^" °' '^^

main unit wnan Ihe areLorv urtt 54 Is aii^-h.rt ,h ^"OsaM »«" lh«r numbered tounw.pans on me

see c»,n.c, ,ne ",row^ ?n"i"oi'^: »rrr~ri°

supply »oteg, „„„ ,he .agutelSo^eTCXtnlMaS S MA Z Z". 7 ! °or.°' '"^

"Tn'":;;:"o"ar'T'S'*"-"^^^^^^^^^^

™ IS „„„n,.. w.n,„ ,n. a;;,anna sn:lr,oVarre^;Xn'..::^^^^^^^^^^

o, an*ni:raTarjroy:„rs::r9.rE:Vn';^r "'""nr""""^ '"^ ™

a retracted position (solid ,nes^ and an ex^Jn r °" "^"'"^ Tiovement between

casi:r=ra«'Lr«::r«s°r:i,''^^^^^^^^^^^^^ "---'^ ^= sui,ap,y™un«» ...

inlandad lo be common lor an Ivpes ol ant™l ,h JT 1 ^ ™° anl«nna- ,s

variously be ,.lerrr,oae mtS ItTZ ^T^ f " ' "^'^ "^'^ »' """""ss may

and PIFi. ,P,an,r 7™;:^; P'^leaamennas,

planarantennas,

The flat profile antenna 116 may be generally of .he type described in pages 2-7, 24 and 25 of the text entitled

BNSDOCID: <EP_0833455A2_L>

6

10

•

EP 0 833 455 A2

"Microstrip antennas" by I.J. Bahl and P. Bhartia published in 1980 by Artech House, Inc. of Dedham, MD, USA. It will
be appreciated that a common problem in using flat profile antennas in cellular telephones is that, to realize needed
bandwidth (approximately 50 to 1 00 MHz) requires a comparatively large antenna. The construction illustrated in Figure
12 offers a suitable location and a suitable area for such a flat profile antenna and offers the user of the phone the
capability of changing from a standard helical antenna to a flat profile antenna with minimal effort. Additionally, it is
known that the standard bandwidth for a flat profile antenna is 1-5%. Further, almost 10% is needed for 900 MHz
cellular systems. As a result, special designs. requiring more space are needed to provide for the broader bandwidth.
The accessory unit of the invention offers the additional space required for such special designs.

In Figure 13, still another specialized component 120 is presented which is a variation of the component 114. In
this instance, a flat profile antenna 116 is suitably mounted on a modified casing 122 so as to be substantially coex-
tensive with the length and width of the casing. A flat profile antenna 124 lead electrically connects the flat profile
antenna 116 to an antenna feed 126 such that the antenna feed is in electrical continuity with the flat profile antenna
but disengaged from a whip antenna feed 128 when the casing 56 is attached to the main unit 52.

IS

Table 1 -

Comparison of Various Flat Profile Printed Antennas

Characteristic

Flat profile Antenna

Stripline Slot
Anienna

Cavity Backed
Printed Antenna

Printed Dipole
Antenna

Profile

Thin

Not very thin

Thick

Thin

Fabrication

Very easy

Easy

Difficult

Easy

Polarization

Both linear and
circular

Linear

Both linear and
circular

Linear

Dual Frequency
Operation

Possible

Not possible

Not possible

Not possible

Shape Flexibility

Any shape

Only rectangular

Other shapes
possible

Rectangular and
triangular

Spurious Radiation

Exists

Exists

Doesn't exist

Exists

Bandwidth

1 -5%

1 -2%

-10%

-10%

20

25

30

35

40

45

In its simplest configuration as seen in Table 1 (taken from page 2), I.J. Bahl and R Bharta, Microstrip Antennas,
published by Artech House, Inc. 1980), the flat profile antenna 116 includes a radiating patch on one side of a dielectric
substrate which has a ground plane on the other side. The patch conductors, normally of copper and gold, can assume
virtually any shape, but conventional shapes are generally used to simplify analysis and performance prediction. N^rious
types of substrates having a large range of dielectric constants and loss tangents have been developed. Flexible
substrates are also available which make it possible to fabricate simple conformal wraparound antennas. Table 1
teaches that a standard flat profile antenna bandwidth is 1-5%. Almost 10% is needed for 900 MHz cellular systems
and, special designs are needed to provide a broader bandwidth. Since special designs need more space, the acces-
sory unit offers the additional space required for such special designs.

Flat profile antennas have several advantages compared to conventional microwave antennas and therefore many
applications over the broad frequency range from —100 MHz to —50 GHz. Some of the principal advantages of flat
profile antennas compared to conventional microwave antennas are;

so

55

lightweight, low volume, low profile planar configurations which can be made conformal
low fabrication cost; readily amenable to mass production
can be made thin

the antennas may be easily mounted

the antennas have low scattering cross section

linear, circular (left hand or right hand) polarizations are possible with simple changes in feed position
dual frequency antennas easily made
no cavity backing required

flat profile antennas are compatible with modular designs (solid state devices such as oscillators, amplifiers, var-
iable attenuators, switches, modulators, mixers, phase shifters, etc. can be added directly to the antenna substrate
board)

feed lines and matching networks are fabricated simultaneously with the antenna structure.

BNSDOCID: <EP_0833455A2J_>

10

15

45

50

55

EP 0 833 455 A2

incudrnr^^' '"''""^^ '^^^^ ^^'"^ disadvantages compared .o conventlona, microwave antennas

• narrow bandwidth

• loss, hence sonnewhat lower gain

• most flat profile antennas radiate into a half plane.

electncalcontinuity with the Whip antenna anir^^^^^^^ ^"T"' '""'"^"^ " ^^^'^-^^ '"-^ber 132 in

from the firs, contact member anreTecS^nslT^^^ ' ^ °" ""'^""^ longitudinally spaced

With the construction just described v^w ng^SesTo 1 4A laR ^
in electrical continuity simultaneously with the whfp antenna fltd h "^^""^^^ ^ 34 is

leads 138, 140. respectively when the Z """^ P^°«'^ ^"'^""3 ^ed 126, via

firs, contact member 132 is'n elct ical^'inu v"'m^ r""" '''' '^B) and the

is in the extended position. ' """'P ^"'^""^ ^^8 alone when the whip antenna 130

.hew;Ta:er?;edi2rrL::^^^

is in use. When the whip antenna 1 30 Is in nnT , . f " ^^2, 144 and the flat profile antenna

- Whip antenna, and the f^a, pIofranlnnrnoN^ ^"'^""^ '''' -^'^

cableTCal^Tar^^^^^^^^

Ohms, impedance on the antenna of the phone s'o' alwav 50 ohm' T'^T'' ' '^'^'^^ ""^"^^"V 5°
minimize losses, the antenna feeds 126 lL and heTaiocLtpln^ 'or instance 200 ohms is ve^. common. To
A matching circuit 230 is an "impedance transfer ' o match .-^^^^^^ ' """" ""'^ '^"^^ -mpedance.

With different impedances. In short, a match ng cTcuitrnTedldTo ""^ '^^^

pedance than its associated antenna feed '^'""^"^ ^"'^""^ has a different im-

HowIT:^^.:J^^^^^^^^^^ '^^ wh^P and flat profile antennas to function together

IS easier to design different an.LnaslSen [o sl'L 6^^^^^^ "^^^'^ '^^e.her In pract,ce,

disadl:rg:t;r fnrnrs?^ - - construction but that a ma.or

a flat profile antenna, because of the l^ d^erenl s^^^^^^ """"P °' ^^''=^1 antenna with

combination of flat profile and whip antennas bSuse of th^-^^^^^^ '° ^ ^"'"""^ °^

An operable antenna is thereby proviXreSrwhen ,he oho"^^^ ' '""""^ '^'^^^

always near the base station, this type orantennaT^.ou p 1 p^ f "'"^ ^ P^"'^' '^^^^'^^^ P^^^^^ °P«^atin9

more effective than a flat profile antenna For ce^u I ' hoVe ^ -^'P antenna is normally

can be need to use a whip antenna ^ '^^ ^^^V '^om telephone base stations, there

his needs'"''" °' '"^^"'^^^ ^'"^ -''^ a^"^'V of readily adjusting the mobile telephone 50 to

are l?a::i;h a mlrercL^^^^^^^ ^ - ^P-ed antenna sheaths 132, 154 which

locations. The antenna sheaths ?52, ZTeZnLTo^^^^^^^^

accessory unit or specialized component 150 is'a.^^'hed';: The La,n ^^t' °' =^ '^^

shea,h.'r s-r,:r\:S^"f^^^^^^^^^^ ^-eral, aligned with its assoc.ated

aligned with its associated sheath Thrantennas 1 53^ 60 mr *^ k ""'^""^ ^'^^^"^ and is generally

^^^^;^rd:=-:~^^^^^^^

helical antennas 158, letCeTtfve y andat^^^^ ^^^'^T'' -"'^-''V with the firs, and second

to .he main unl, 52. A control module 1 68 includes a matchina^Si^^^^^ ' f ^^""^ ^ '^attached

helical antennas 1 58, 1 60 for operation, and an enna eaSL iTr 74 e/^^^^ ^''^ ^""^ ^^ond

antennas to the firs, and second antenna feeds respec.Sy ^^^ond helical

Je^cytan?" " '° ^" ^ 0-

or a phone with two different antennas is needed WhPnTf ^" ^" ^"'^""^ ^"^^ ^"al resonance

each other. The cons.ruc.ion of thirembL men o^sThe ^^^^^^^^ "^^^ ""^"'-'"V -ffec.
.0 thereby avoid mutual effects, .s noted above, the r^eiruJ'?-

25

30

BNSDOOD; <EP_0833455A2J_>

8

EP 0 833 455 A2

With continued reference to Figure 15, another ennbodiment of the invention wifl now be described according to
which the specialized component 150 provides antenna diversity. In certain cases it is advantageous for a radio tele-
phone to select one of several antennas, each antenna having different reception and transmission characteristics.
The best antenna at each given time can be selected according to the signals being received by the radio telephone
5 and is switched automatically to the radio part of the mobile telephone. This principle is called antenna diversity. A
typical system is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,276,920 to Kuisma.

The construction illustrated in Figure 15 enables one to realize such antenna diversity because the antennas 158,
160 can be placed enough far away from each other to achieve the desired result. In this instance, a switching circuit
176 is provided for choosing the particular antenna to be operated. The switching circuit 176 obtains its power from

TO the regulated power interface 178. Commands to switch between antennas are received from the data bus interface .

In Figure 16, yet a further specialized component 182 is seen to include the modified casing 156 of the specialized
component 150. In this instance, a filtering module 184, suitably mounted on the casing 156, is in electrical continuity
with the control module 1 68 for filtering signals received by the first and second helical antennas and for filtering signals
transmitted by those antennas. When using the dual band antenna accessory, specialized component 182, there is

IS need to have filtering for received and transmitted signal next to the antennas. In the dual band embodiment of the
invention, there is space for filtering and it is possible to place filters into the accessory unit. It is also possible to place
the first amplifier stage, a low noise amplifier 214 (LNA) of the receiving path into the specialized component 182,
specifically between the receive filtering and the receive port. It is advantageous that LNA 214 be physically near the
antennas 152, 154 to avoid losses. This combination of antennas, first filtering and LNA being mutually inclose proximity

20 is ideal from a loss avoidance standpoint. Figure 1 6 illustrates the filtering module 1 84 as including an LNA power lead
216, a receive port 218, a transmit port 220, a receive filtering (first band) circuit 222, a transmit filtering (first band)
circuit 224, a receive filtering (second band) circuit 226, and a transmit filtering (second band) circuit 228.

An even more ideal arrangement would result if the transmitter were fitted in the module 184, although the added
complication of such a design would have to be taken into consideration.

^5 All of these antenna constructions just described have the further advantage that, in each instance, the specialized

component positions the antenna(s) as far as possible from the head of the user, As a result, radiation towards the
body is reduced and the shadowing effect of the head to the antenna is reduced.

Turn now to Figures 17 and 18 for the description of another specialized component 190 providing an accessory
battery pack. In keeping with this embodiment, the main unit 52 includes a main battery 1 92 (diagrammatically depicted

30 in Figure 1 8) for powering the mobile telephone 50 during normal usage. The main battery 1 92 is in electrical continuity
with the battery power interface 66 of the main unit 52 and, therefore, with an accessory battery power interface 194
for the specialized component 1 94. The specialized component 1 90 includes an accessory battery module 1 96 suitably
mounted on the casing 56. In turn, the module 1 96 includes an accessory battery 1 98 for powering the telephone when
the main battery 192 has become discharged or is absent and a battery control module, or circuit, 200 (Figure 18) for

35 electrically connecting the accessory battery 1 98 to the battery power interface 66, 1 94 when the main battery 1 92 has
become discharged or is absent. The control circuit 200 allows for the simultaneous charging of the main battery and
said accessory battery and for preventing simultaneous discharging of the main battery and of the accessory battery
The concept of this specialized component is to be like a "stand-by power plant." It is a small, external, low capacity,
battery to supply the phone, for instance, during a battery pack change. Normally in digital telephone systems, if one

^0 replaces a discharged battery with a charged one, while a call is in process, the call is lost. This is very troublesome,
for instance, when using data transfer, sending facsimiles, and the like. Also, a user is required to "boot" the phone
after changing a battery, relate give passwords, and the like.

As seen in Figures 17 and 18, the battery power interface is parallel to main battery connector of the phone. The
control module, or circuit. 200 is positioned between the battery power interface 66, 194 and the external accessory

^5 battery. There oftentimes occurs the need to charge the accessory battery 198 while charging the main battery 192
and to avoid discharging the accessory battery together with main battery. To this end, switches 202 and 204 are open,
except during charging. The simplest way to control switches is for an accessory battery unit 206 to receive a charging
command from the accessory data bus 208 which is in contact engagement with the phone data bus 64 and closes
switch 202 during the charging operation.

50 Another way to control the states of batteries is disclosed in Figure 18. A comparator 210 is employed to check

the direction of current flow between the accessory battery 198 and the main battery 192. To check the direction of
current flow, the switch 202 is opened and switch 204 is closed. Switch 202 can be any mechanical (relay) or electronic
(FET) switch with low resistance. Current through switch 204 is limited by a resistance 212 so it can be a higher
resistance switch.

55 If the voltage at the terminal of the accessory battery 198 is higher than at the terminal of the main battery 192,

the accessory battery is discharging and if it is lower, the accessory battery is charging. If the charging state is recog-
nized, the switch 202 can be switched on. Switch 202 can also be used to control the charging current of the accessory
battery, for instance, to generate pulse charging by switching switch 202 on or off during the charging operation. Charg-

9

BNSDOCID: <EP_0833455A2_I_>

EP 0 833 455 A2

'wSn r'""' 21 2 to limit current,

a^' " '^11^ ''^ -i'ch 202 is Closed and

w

15

the accessory battery 1 98. There can be fo Ltance a mth f '° ^'^'^'"^ ^"PP'^ ^^''age .rem

(before disconnecting battery contacts) this i^torr^arn be^o t ? 'T"' ^^'"^^'"S main battery

module 200 of the accessory battery '"'^^-^^''^^ ^eing transferred v.a the internal data bus 64, 208 to the contrd

sparJ-c^ry^tr^^^^^ specali.ed component tgo, there is

It should also be considered as within .hJJ f^u " "^"^'y discharged,

one special.ed component. Por ^'1" , ^ d^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 'ZT " ^^"'^^^^ ^''^

accommodated by the space available equipped with both a battery and an antenna if they could be

invention or

cla,ms may be formulated to such features during prosecu^^^^^^ T T'"^""' ''^"'^ S-ves notice that new

derived therefrom. "^""^ prosecution of this application or of any such further application

Claims

35

40

1 • A radio telephone adaptable to a vanety of specialized capabilities comprising:

t^lXr "'"^ ' '^""""-^ -luding an operating system for operation of the mobile

c^^ersirs,;;::-

to said main unit, generally conforms to said ou e surfSe of sS r^ '^"^ """" ^"^^^ed
of said main unit when attached thereto; ^"'^ 9^"^^^"^ ^i'^'n the profile

l^rc^e^idTar un^f^ --"V -gageable when said accesso^, unit

said operating system. ^'^'^'^'^al'V -nterconnect.ng said specialized electronic component means wlh

2. A mobile telephone as set forth in claim 1

3. 4 mobite Llephbne as sal lorlh in an, ol me p,„8<ling claims

ZZZ ZTZ^Z'r '° 'el«sb,a a,lacnn,„l ,o an a.licia o,

''^ 4. A mobile telephone as set forth in claim 3

Wherein said attachment means includes:

a post integral with and projecting away from said casing; and

rhr;;Ect:;Snrwr b^trr -^^^ '-•--^^^'-^ --P- with a mounting CP on

5. A mobile telephone as set forth in claim 4

6. A mobile telephone as set forth in any of the preceding claims

BNSDOCID: <EP_0833455A2J_>

10

EP 0 833 455 A2

wherein said specialized electronic component means includes an alarm system for notifying the user of an oc-
curring event.

7, A mobile telephone as set forth in claim 6

5

wherein said alarm system includes;
a vibratory module fixed to said casing;
^0 an eccentric motor mounted on said vibratory module;

motor control means for operating said eccentric motor: and

lead means for electrically connecting said vibratory module to said interface means.

15

8. A mobile telephone as set forth in any of the preceding claims

wherein said specialized electronic component means includes:

an antenna sheath integral with said casing projecting in a direction away from said outer surface thereof
generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of said main unit when said accessory unit is attached thereto;

a helical antenna mounted within said antenna sheath and generally aligned therewith:

^5 an antenna feed in electrical continuity with said helical antenna and engageable with said antenna interface

when said casing is attached to said main unit;

an antenna lead electrically connecting said helical antenna to said antenna feed.

30 9. A mobile telephone as set forth in claim 8 including:

a retractable whip antenna concentrically aligned with said helical antenna and mounted on said casing for move-
ment between a retracted position and an extended position, said whip antenna including a contact member dis-
engaged from said antenna lead when said whip antenna is in the retracted position and engaged with said antenna
lead when said whip antenna is in the extended position.

35

10. A mobile telephone as set forth in any of the preceding claims

wherein said casing has a length, a width, and a depth; and

^0 wherein said specialized electronic component means includes:

a flat profile antenna mounted on said casing substantially coextensive with the length and width thereof;

an antenna feed in electrical continuity with said fiat profile antenna and engageable with said antenna interface
^5 when said casing is attached to said main unit: and

an antenna lead electrically connecting said flat profile antenna to said antenna feed.

11. A mobile telephone as set forth in any of the preceding claims

50

wherein said casing has a length, a width, and a depth; and
wherein said specialized electronic component means includes:

a flat profile antenna mounted on said casing substantially coextensive with the length and width thereof;

a flat profile antenna feed in electrical continuity with said flat profile antenna but disengaged with said antenna
interface when said casing is attached to said main unit; and

11

BNSDOCID: <EP__0833455A2J_>

EP 0 833 455 A2

a Whip antenna lead e,ectnca..y connecting said whip antenna to sa.d whip antenna feed;

:^?sr;L?pre~;e^:^^^^^^ wh. antenna feed and

member being in electrical continuTy with sa-riro Intenn^ / 'T'''''

extended position. ^ ""^'^ ^"'^""^ '^^^ 3'°"^ when said whip antenna is in the

12. A mobHe telephone as set forth in any of the preceding claims

wherein said specialized electronic component means includes;

r rslrcrerrtTsp^^^^^^ P^oiect,ng ,n a d.rection away from sa,d

Of said main unit when said accessory uni.Tat'athed thereto '° ' ^^'^

a first helical antenna mounted w,thin said first antenna sheath and generally aligned therewith

said first and second helical antennas being sufficiently spaced to a.o,d mutual effects

"^^^"^ - With said firs, and second helical

13. A mobile telephone as set forth in any of the preceding claims

Wherein said specialized electronic component means includes:

^er L^frtrer^frs^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ P-Cng ,n a direction away from sa.d

Of said ma,n unit when s^d accessoTunit Ts atlthed theret^' ''""'"^ '° ^ '-9'"^^'-'

a firs, helical antenna mounted within said firs, antenna sheath and generally aligned therew.th
said first and second helical antennas be.ng sufficiently spaced to avoid mutual effects

:s:n:-:=^—

a control module inc,ud,ng switching circu,. means in elec.rical continuity with said firs, and second helical

12

D

EP 0 833 455 A2

antennas (or selective operation, in sequence, of either said first fielical antenna or said second antenna; and

an antenna lead electrically connecting said first and second helical antennas to said first and second antenna
feeds, respectively.

5

power supply feed engaged with said regulated power interface when said casing is attached to said nnain unit;

switching data feed engaged with said data interface when said casing is attached to said main unit;

TO 14. A mobile telephone as set forth in claim 13 including:

a filtering module in electrical continuity with said control module for filtering signals received by said first and
second helical antennas and for filtering signals transmitted by said first and second helical antennas.

15

15. A mobile telephone as set forth in any of the preceding claims
wherein said main unit includes:

a main battery for powering said mobile telephone during normal usage:

^0 wherein said interface means includes a battery power interface, said main battery being in electrical continuity

with said battery power interface; and

wherein said specialized electronic component means includes:

an accessory battery for powering said telephone when said main battery has become discharged or is absent;
and

battery control means for electrically connecting said accessory battery to said battery power interface when
said main battery has become discharged or is absent.

30

16- A mobile telephone as set forth in claim 15

wherein said specialized electronic component means includes:

^5 control means for simultaneously charging said main battery and said accessory battery and for preventing

simultaneous discharging of said main battery and of said accessory battery.

17. An accessory unit for a mobile telephone having a main unit with a contoured outer surface and an operating
system for operation thereof adaptable to a variety of specialized capabilities, said accessory unit comprising:

40

a casing having a contoured outer surface;

means lor selectively releasably attaching said casing to the main unit of the telephone, said contoured outer
surface of said casing generally conforming to the outer surface of the main unit and lies generally within the
■^5 profile of the main unit when attached thereto:

specialized electronic component means within said casing;

interface means on said accessory unit mutually engageable with mating means of the operating system when
said accessory unit is attached to the main unit for electrically interconnecting said specialized electronic
component means with the operating system.

18. An accessory unit as set forth in claim 17

wherein said interface means includes at least one of an antenna interface, an internal data bus, a battery power
interface, and a regulated power interface.

19. An accessory unit as set forth in claims 17 or 18

wherein attachment means are fixed on said contoured outer surface of said casing for releasable attachment to

13

BNSDOCID: <EP_0833455A2J_>

10

15

20

25

30

35

50

55

EP 0 833 455 A2

an article of clothing worn by a user
20. An accessory unit as set forth in claim 19

wherein said attachment means includes:
a post integral with and projecting away from said casing; and

^S^S;;^ -^'"^ inter-engaging reception with a mounting clip on

21. An accessory unit as set forth in claim 20

22. An accessory una as ssl tonh in any of claims 1 7 lo 21
ctr^o^S a^- s.s„m ,o, „o«v,ng ,no „ss, o, an oc-

23. An accessory unit as set forth in Claim 22
wherein said alarm system includes;
a vibratory module fixed to said casing;
an eccentric motor mounted on said vibratory module;
motor control means for operating said eccentric motor; and

lead means for electrically connecting said vibratory module to said interface means.
24. An accessory unit as set forth in any of claims 1 7 to 23

Wherein said specialized electronic component means Includes;

a helical antenna mounted within said antenna sheath and generally aligned therewith;

r:src::;"?srar:ne"2ir^ ^"^^ ^"^--^ -^^^--^ amenna .terface

an antenna lead electrically connecting said helical antenna to said antenna feed.

25. An accessory unit as set forth in claim 24 including

engaged from said antenna lead when said whTo ant^nn° '.f ^"'^""^ '"'^'"'^'"g « '=°"'3<=' ^^-^ber dis-

lead When said whip antenna ,s Tthe exfendTd plTon ^"^aged with said antenna

26. An accessory unit as set forth in any of claims 1 7 to 25

wherein said casing has a length, a width, and a depth; and
Wherein said specialized electronic component means includes;

a flat profile antenna mounted on said casing substantially coextensive with the length and width thereof;

BNSDOCID: <EP_0833455A2_L>

14

EP 0 833 455 A2

an antenna feed in electrical continuity with said flat profile antenna and engageable with said antenna interface
when said casing is attached to the main unit; and

an antenna lead electrically connecting said flat profile antenna to said antenna feed.

5

27. An accessory unit as set forth in any of clainns 17 to 26

wherein said casing has a length, a width, and a depth; and

10 wherein said specialized electronic connponent means includes:

a flat profile antenna mounted on said casing substantially coextensive with the length and width thereof;

a flat profile antenna feed in electrical continuity with said flat profile antenna but disengaged with said antenna
'5 interface when said casing is attached to the main unit;

a flat profile antenna lead electrically connecting said flat profile antenna to said antenna feed;

a retractable whip antenna mounted on said casing for movement between a retracted position and an ex-
20 tended position, said whip antenna including a first contact member in electrical continuity with said whip

antenna and a second contact member on said whip antenna spaced from said first contact member and
electrically insulated from said whip antenna;

a whip antenna feed spaced from said flat profile antenna feed and in electrical continuity with said whip
^5 antenna and engaged with said antenna interface when said casing is attached to the main unit;

a whip antenna lead electrically connecting said whip antenna to said whip antenna feed; and

said second contact member being in electrical continuity simultaneously with said whip antenna feed and
^0 with said flat profile antenna feed when said whip antenna is in the retracted position and said first contact

member being in electrical continuity with said whip antenna feed alone when said whip antenna is in the
extended position.

28. An accessory unit as set forth in claim 27 including impedance transformer means for matching the impedance of
35 each said antenna with its associated said antenna feed.

29. An accessory unit as set forth in any of claims 17 to 28 .

wherein said specialized electronic component means includes:

40

first and second spaced antenna sheaths integral with said casing projecting in a direction away from said
outer surface thereof at spaced locations, said antenna sheaths being generally parallel to a longitudinal axis
of said main unit when said accessory unit is attached thereto:

a first helical antenna mounted within said first antenna sheath and generally aligned therewith;

a second helical antenna mounted within said second antenna sheath and generally aligned therewith:

said first and second helical antennas being sufficiently spaced to avoid mutual effects;

so

first and second antenna feeds in electrical continuity with said first and second helical antennas, respectively,
and engageable with the antenna interface when said casing is attached to the main unit;

a control module including matching circuit means in electrical continuity with said first and second helical
55 antennas for operation; and

an antenna lead electrically connecting said first and second helical antennas to said first and second antenna
feeds, respectively.

15

BNSOOCID: <EP_0833455A2J_>

10

IS

20

25

EP 0 833 455 A2

30. An accessory unit as set forth in any of claims 1 7 to 29

Wherein said specialized electronic component means includes:
first and second spaced antenna sheaths integral with said ca^inn nr^- .

outer surface thereof at spaced locations, said aniema sheaths bin ' ^ """^ '""^ ^^'^

of the main unit when said accessory unit is a.tachedThereTo ' ^ ' "^'^'^^ '° ^ "^"S''""^'"^' ^'^'^

a first helica, antenna mounted within said first antenna sheath and general, aligned therewith-
said firs, and second helica, antennas being sufficiently spaced to avo.d mutual effects

power supply feed engaged w,.h the regulated power interface when sa.d casing ,s attached to the ma,n unit;

31. An accessory unit as set forth in claim 30 including

32. An accsssory unit as sel lonh in any ol claims 1 7 lo 3|
>.l>er.,n sa,d specialize atecuonic componanl means includes:

an accesscy Pa.leo, Ic po»enn. ,.e lel.pnone ^,n ,ne ma,n .a„e„ has .ecoma discarded o, is a»sen,;

33. An accessory unit as set forth in claim 32

Wherein said specialized electronic component means includes:

an;f„na' sXrr "^'"^ ' ""'"^ ^ — P-din, ,„ „ansmission and recep.^n p,

pni, and lies mt.„ ,ha general p°"»e "!h™ ml » »» »"'<" ol «e main

c^p^lT: """™ "-'-™™ » mc^lle .elep.pne s.l ,onn ,„ calm «

30

35

40

45

BNSOOCID: <EP_0833455A2J_>

16

0

EP 0 833 455 A2

an antenna interface providing for transnnission and reception of antenna signals;
and an antenna.

5 36. An auxiliary antenna unit as set forth in clainn 35

characterised in that said antenna is a single helical antenna or a single helical antenna combined with a retractable
whip antenna or dual helical antennas adapted to operate at different frequencies or dual helical antennas adapted
to offer diversity or a flat profile antenna or a flat profile antenna combined with a retractable whip antenna.

10 37. A radio telephone having an antenna interface providing for transmission and reception of antenna signals, adapted
to receive one of a plurality of auxiliary antenna units having respectively defined configurations.

38. An auxiliary antenna unit adapted for selective releasable attachment to the mobile telephone of claim 37

an antenna interface providing for transmission and reception of antenna signals;
and an antenna.

39. An auxiliary antenna unit as set forth in claim 38

characterised in that said antenna is a single helical antenna or a single helical antenna combined with a retractable
whip antenna or dual helical antennas adapted to operate at different frequencies or dual helical antennas adapted
to offer diversity or a flat profile antenna or a flat profile antenna combined with a retractable whip antenna.

40

45

50

comprising :

15

25

30

BNSDOCID: <EP_0833455A2J_>

17

BNSDOCID: <EP^0833455A2_i_>

21

BNSDOCID: <EP_0833455A2.

22

I

208

BNSDOCID: <EP 0833455A2 I >

23

EP 0 833 455 A2

BNSDOCIO; <EP_0833455A2a

24